From L-R, the Chairman of Muslim Workers Union, an affiliate of the Muslim Artisans, Malam Abdulaziz Baba-Elesin, AbdulFatai Issa, a part-time lecturer at Department of Computer Science, University of Ilorin and the National President of the Builders, Construction and Skilled Artisans Association of Nigeria (NAFSAT), Alhaji Fasasi Mohammed-Jamiu)
By Afusat Agunbiade-Oladipo
Ilorin: AbdulFatai Issa, a part-time lecturer, Department of Computer Science, University of Ilorin’ Centre for Open and Distance Learning has urged artisans to embrace modern technology to improve their efficiency and enhance wealth creation.
Issa said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on the sidelines of a Public Seminar and inauguration of the new executive members of the Muslim Workers Union, an affiliate of the Muslim Artisans Foundation, on Sunday in Ilorin.
The theme of the seminar is: “Modern Technology: A Challenge to Obsolete Artisans’ Efficiency and Lawful Wealth.”
Issa said that the seminar focused on modern technology and the challenges artisans faced when using obsolete methods and tools.
He said that adopting modern technology would enable artisans to improve their efficiency, productivity and wealth creation.
“I believe the participants understood the lecture, judging by the gestures and responses from the audience,” he said.
The lecturer noted that the participants’ readiness to adopt the knowledge acquired was demonstrated by the number who approached him after the programme to request soft copies of his presentation slides.
In his remarks, the Union Chairman, Malam Abdulaziz Baba-Elesin, said the seminar was aimed at orientating members on emerging technologies and the need to adopt modern methods in their various trades.
“Our members will benefit a lot from this seminar because some artisans are still working without realising that the methods they use have become obsolete.
“They need to improve their ways of doing business and embrace modern technology in their various professions,” he said.
Baba-Elesin said artisans, including mechanics, bricklayers and carpenters, needed to keep abreast of technological advancements relevant to their trades.
He expressed optimism that the seminar would improve members’ efficiency and expose them to new methods of carrying out their businesses.
The National President, Builders, Construction and Skilled Artisans Association of Nigeria (BACSAAN), Alhaji Fasasi Mohammed-Jamiu, said that the association has entered into partnership with private firm, Century Information Systems, to train, retrain and equip artisans with modern tools.
He said that the partnership was aimed at improving the capacity, productivity and welfare of artisans in Nigeria.
According to him, the association is partnering some companies, including Century to provide training and retraining opportunities for its members.
He said the firms were also ready to provide artisans with modern tools and equipment to enable them to adapt to emerging technologies in their various fields.
“Our partners are also ready to support artisans financially and materially to enable them overcome some of the challenges affecting their businesses,” he said.
Mohammed-Jamiu said the association and its partners were working towards signing a formal agreement to strengthen the collaboration. (NAN)
Source: News Agency of Nigeria